10 Questions with ... Montana

NAME:Montana TITLE:MD/on-air personality STATIONS:KZZE Medford, OR MARKET:MEDFORD-ASHLAND, OR #212 COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Minneapolis, MN RAISED:Minneapolis, MN

Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)

(station/date, station/date, etc.)

KFMC-Fairmont, MN; KXLP-Mankato, MN; WRQC-Minneapolis, MN; WFWI-Ft. Wayne, IN; KRZQ-Reno, NV; WMZK-Wausau, WI; KKZR-Little Rock, AR; KDJE-Little Rock

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

I was an intern at KQRS in Minneapolis (paid even). The entire staff at KQ influenced me, especially Dave Hamilton, Wally Walker and Peter Borne. Andy Bloom and Jay Philpott believed in me when I didn't believe in myself!

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

It was during spring break at South Padre Island. I was working with Drake Publishing (who publishes Playgirl magazine among others) on a promotion. We were holding a male centerfold search contest at one of the nightclubs. At the last minute, the club DJ refused to MC the contest. I grabbed the mic and said "I'll do it". It was then I realized I could captivate an audience and hold their attention (even though they were all drunk and stupid). When I returned home, I enrolled in broadcasting school.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Absolutely. Knowledge is power. It might take me longer to get where I wanted to be, but anything worth having doesn't always come easy. If all else failed - I'd just pull an Anna Nichole and marry a rich old man.

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I would be managing rock bands..

5) Describe your weekly music meeting ... a) what is the process when you listen to new music? b) approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record?

I'm a pretty new MD. So far guts and chart position are the leading factors. A record can be climbing up the charts, but if it's not right for our station, won't play it. I have a great boss who listens to my ideas and trusts my instincts - of course we'll disagree, but he's willing to listen.

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

Remy Maxwell - KXXR Minneapolis

7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

It's not who you know, it's who knows you.

8) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

We had a Monday Night Football promotion with a club that was going through a major identity crisis. By no means was it a sports bar and every night featured a different genre of music from disco to country, and their location was bad. A free taco bar, FREE BEER and myself broadcasting live from a hot tub only pulled in about 25 people a week. The promotion didn't last too long!

9) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?

You have to make the time to prep. I've heard jocks say that their audience is their show prep. That's a load of crap, it's an excuse for being lazy. I don't know of any great jock that doesn't show prep. I find a lot of great rock material at Blabbermouth.net, Bravewords.com and antimusic.com

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

Only one so far, I was offered a part time gig at Q101 in Chicago and had to turn it down. Lack of funds prohibited me from making the move and being able to set up shop.

What is your favorite TV show?

The Shield

Favorite artist you have met?

Dimebag Darrell

You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?

Tommy Lee (I've seen the video).

What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?

That there are still stations where the "good 'old boys" is in full effect. No matter how hard you work or how much you deserve a promotion, you're screwed.